There are not many actual hiking trails in this area, but there are a lot of trails made by the goats and sheep! And, there are a lot of 4x4 dirt roads that are not suitable for cars, but are suitable for hiking.
Yesterday, we drove up the paved road that goes near the top of the mountain range in behind us. It's a curvy road with lots of switchbacks and pretty much zero traffic. It gains 1,058 meters (3,500 feet) in 14 kms (8.7miles).
It's the same one we walked part way up the other day.
The road behind us as we head up the mountain.
Some great views along the way.
This little guy was sunning himself by the side of the road.
He wasn't actually little... maybe 8 or 10 inches.
Another beautiful day.
Warmer, at maybe 24C (75F) but a bit hazy.
Ruth took a video for you while I was driving...
Snow in the distance.
Looking down on the road we came up.
When the paved road ended, we parked and decided to hike up the mountain. Not sure how far we would make it, but I was trying to get up to the first patch of snow. There was no actual hiking trail though... we were just making our way, using goat and sheep paths as much as possible. They often peter out though, so you end up making your own way again.
Starting out at 4,000'.
Big flock of sheep in the distance.
Pretty slow going!
At one point, I didn't think we were going to make it to the ridge. It just seemed pretty far away. This time it was Ruth who said "let's just keep going a bit further".
I took a video when we were about 2/3 of the way to the ridge. You can turn up your volume, but the wind noise is almost louder than my voice!
We love the mountains!
Here is yet another video for you! This one is as we approach the ridge and get the beautiful views. Again, I am talking but the wind noise is a bit louder than I am!
We sat and had a snack and then headed back down.
Back at the car.
It was a good uphill climb. The car was parked at 4000', and the ridge with a view was at 5,000'. We were only gone from the car for an hour and a half. It seemed like a longer hike than that! Probably only 4 kms (2.5 miles) round trip.
Looking up at where we had been.
Scenery along the way.
Our host Marika sat with us and went over our paper Albania map with us. She gave us a few tips, but the language issue is tough! Most of them I already had marked on our maps.me app. It was really nice sitting on our front balcony having happy hour together though. Beautiful weather, and gorgeous views. We really like this area. And there are lots of birds around the villa. Nothing special... just sparrows and swallows, that sort of thing. But it's still nice to hear them chirping.
Today, our host Marika is coming with us to a couple more attractions. There is lots to see in the area!
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Stunning view from the ridge, reminds of being in a plane looking at the ground below. Beautiful area.
ReplyDeleteIt sure was an amazing view, we only wished that that is could have been a bit clearer and not quite so hazy but at least it was a blue sky day and warm temperatures. It really did feel like it was quite far up but actually wasn't all that high, I guess it felt that way because it pretty much went straight down.
Deletethat looked like a fun road to drive. no traffic, using the whole roads and getting some of the apexs on the curves! you must have a background in fast driving! enjoy reading about your travels each day.
ReplyDeleteKevin did enjoy driving on that road, it sure wasn't a road that you could fall asleep on!
DeleteThe video makes it look like we are traveling along fairly fast but in reality we really weren't. The Albanians drive much faster than that even on a road like this! :-)
We are happy that you are enjoying our travels and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
More beautiful views. I'm guessing you probably would have hiked further if there had been less Wind.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy your time.
It's about time.
Yep, more beautiful views! It really isn't hard to see such gorgeous views because it seems that everywhere we look that is what we see. :-)
DeleteI am not sure that we would have hiked up any higher on that ridge, it was going to be even more steep that what we already hiked up on and that part was fairly tough in places and then of course you have to climb back down it but no, the wind didn't help either.
Nice video
ReplyDeleteThank you, we are glad you enjoyed it. :-)
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